The double worlds of a disillusioned anthropologist collide in the Hugo–nominated story from the Science Fiction Grand Master.

The world of 2083 has become a source of professional and personal frustration for superstar anthropologist Tom Schwartz. On a lecture tour, he flies across the globe in first class seats, but everywhere he travels to looks like the last place he's been. Argentina, Papua, France, Mexico—there's too much sameness wherever he goes. Western culture has homogenized the world. Even the people look alike.

But in his mind is where the magic happens. There, he's on a starship gliding through the interstellar depths. His fellow passengers are natives of the worlds of Capella, Arcturus, Antares, and Polaris. There are sinuous humanoids, self-contained reptilians, and even whale-like creatures who dance alongside of the ship and beckon him to join them.

As Schwartz finds himself increasingly torn in two, he has a choice to make: accept the world as it is or join in the cosmic harmony of the dance . . .

Praise for Robert Silverberg and his short stories

"Where Silverberg goes today, the rest of science fiction will follow tomorrow!" —Isaac Asimov

"When Silverberg is at the top of his form, no one is better." —George R. R. Martin, #1 New York Times–bestselling author

"Decades after being originally published, most of these stories are still just as entertaining and powerful as they were when first released. A singularly unique collection." — Kirkus Reviews